Now faith is! A verse that many can quote, a verse that some can hear for their life, and even less will apply to their life, and even fewer that will attempt to live. Most people want God to show them everything, or provide them with everything, before they will step out, and do that which God and His Word asks of them. They are more concerned with yesterday or tomorrow, and so lose sight, focus and vision of where they are, and should be at this present moment.
Faith is developed by hearing the message delivered by the Word of God, Christ. That is, at this very moment, taking the time to hear His Word, and then putting forth the maximum effort, to allow His Word to become a real way of life for us. This is accomplished by hearing all of Father's counsel, and applying it to one's life, before proceeding on. Today, at this very moment, at this very place, if you will hear His voice, and harden not your heart towards or against Him.
For the majority of those that call themselves Christians, everything else takes precedence and priority in their lives, before they have time to attend to Him and His Word. (In all thy ways acknowledge Him). In most instances, job, family, living expenses, playtime and toys or whatever else one may allow in to occupy one's thoughts and mind; all come before God and His Word, as well as their relationship with Him. In living this way, as well as acting this way, worrying and fretting about tomorrow or yesterday, there is never His peace in their life. They wonder what they could have done different yesterday; or wonder what they can do tomorrow to make life better. Their focus is every place but at the destination of now faith!
How often have you told God that you would do something that He has asked of you, make plans to do it a little bit later, and then, never quite get around to doing it? For God so loved the world (you included) that He gave; that is, while you were yet a sinner, He gave His Son as a sacrifice in your place, to make a way of reconciliation for you, and all man kind. Yet, are you as faithful to Him? How good is your word and commitment to Him? What kind of excuses did you give God today, to try to justify your laziness and foolishness? Whatever the excuse, (the world's best excuse, is still just that, an excuse), do you think that that kind of vessel, can and will sustain living waters?
Matthew 6:33-34, 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. KJV
What is your first priority of the day? Local news? Stocks? Sports? Weather? Health? The first thing that should be in your heart and on your mind each day, should be His Word and your relationship with Father, by and through Christ Jesus. Yet, for most of those that call themselves Christians, seldom is this the case priority. Where does God and His Word place at the start of your day? Is He included at all?
3 John 2, Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. KJV
If, the Word is applied to your life first thing each day, there is enough to occupy one's mind, without fretting about what happened yesterday, or wondering what tomorrow may bring. As one fellowships with Father by and through Christ Jesus, their main goal or objective should be to hear and obey His Word, that they may be pleasing to Him at this very moment. For it is when He is first place in one's life, that one then knows and has that assurance, that He will provide our daily bread, both spiritually and physically, and in that order. This is what will nourish and sustain our spirit man, (Matt 4:4), and will cause one's mind to be renewed and invigorated, so that as one walks through this day, to have that confidence that Father will provide or supply all that they will have need of. (Phil 1:6).
Philippians 3:13-15, 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. KJV
If one is constantly thinking or dwelling on what happened yesterday, how does that, or will it assist them in living and abiding in now faith? What if Paul would have constantly thought of all of his offenses that he committed against Christ and His Church? Would Paul have been able to hear all of the things that Father had him scribe? Would he have been able to minister the truth to the people that he did?
Paul had to overcome these areas in his life, just as we have to. Did it happen in a day? A week? A month? A year? NO! The Word clearly tells us, that the only way we can be set free, and maintain that freedom, is by starting in His Word, and then continuing or abiding in His Word on a moment by moment basis. Studying or learning the Word, seeking Father's and not man's approval. Training one self in God's way, and making this the priority in one's life.
So then, how do we forget or put aside those things that happened yesterday, that were not beneficial to our spiritual health? How does one move on towards His kingdom? One has to believe in God's plan of reconciliation. They have to believe that Jesus Christ did pay the total and complete price or penalty for our sins. To realize that Father did accept this sacrifice as payment in full, thus allowing reconciliation to anyone that would accept and receive His mercy and grace, and then be willing to walk in His truth. (John 17:17).
Matthew 6:7-8, 7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. KJV
Father knows that which you have need of, before you ask. (However, one has to ask in faith, believing that He will hear and answer). Father knows the exact spiritual meat and drink that you need to get through this very moment, this very day. Yet, few are willing to ask. Few are willing to wait for Him, to give His answer. Many are fearful of what they may have to give up. Few, have any true comprehension of what is at stake or risk.
What kind of excuse are you using this day, to reject or neglect hearing Father's counsel? What is it at this present moment, that you have allowed to take priority over His Word in your life? Are you operating in now faith?
That you may know Him,
In the service of Jesus Christ.
Larry Gazelka
www.builtanewministries.org
Copyright © 2001 Built Anew Ministries all rights reserved